Navy Quietly Changes Course On HIV Policy

The U.S. Navy's new policy regarding allowing people with HIV to be stationed overseas has ever-so-slightly shifted to be more accommodating.

BY Michelle Garcia

November 19 2012 7:40 PM ET

The U.S. military still bans all HIV-positive members of the military from being stationed outside of the U.S., despite the government lifting the ban on HIV-positive foreign visitors two years ago. However in August, the Navy made a slight adjustment, according to Outserve magazine.

A quiet move by the Navy's leaders now allows HIV-positive sailors to be stationed at some military installations outside of the country, and on certain large ship platforms.

All service members are tested for the virus at least every two years, according to the report. The military will not admit people with HIV, and those who become HIV-positive while in the ranks are evaluated on whether they can physically and mentally stay in the military. If so, they are reassigned to posts with nearby medical facilities and assigned an infections disease doctor. If a service member is diagnosed as HIV-positive while serving overseas, they will typically be returned to the States. Thereafter each branch of the military upholds its own policies on service members with HIV.